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Recent News

Saints signed C Max Unger to a three-year extension through 2019.

According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the new deal is worth "north" of $7 million per year. Headed into his age-30 campaign, Unger graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 9 center last season after coming over in a trade from the Seahawks. Despite the solid 2015, it's a bit surprising the Saints are locking up a 30-year-old pivot through the next four seasons. Sep 1 - 9:49 PM

Unger's in the final season of a five-year, $25.5 million deal signed in 2012. The Saints view him as more than a short-term rental after trading Jimmy Graham for him and could free up cap space with an extension. 29-year-old Unger regressed with his run blocking last year, but graded as PFF's No. 7 pass-blocking center. Mar 26 - 3:07 PM

Saints acquired C Max Unger and the No. 31 overall pick in the 2015 draft in exchange for TE Jimmy Graham and a 2015 fourth-round pick.

Unger, 29 next month, was Pro Football Focus' No. 4 center last season, displaying dominance as a run blocker. He'll now pave lanes for Mark Ingram in New Orleans. Unger is entering the fourth year of a five-year, $25.5 million deal. The Saints were in desperate need of a center with Jonathan Goodwin a free agent and no real replacement on the roster. Trading Graham to fill this need is a highly questionable move by GM Mickey Loomis. At least he also gets a first-round pick. Tue, Mar 10, 2015 03:52:00 PM

Seahawks C Max Unger (ankle) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Unger missed the final six weeks of the season with a high-ankle sprain, but was able to return for the Divisional round. He appears to have escaped the game without any setbacks, and will be ready to rock against the Packers. Wed, Jan 14, 2015 08:17:00 PM

Depth Charts

Mark Ingram (toe, knee, questionable) returned to a limited practice on Friday.

That puts him on track to play Sunday against Tampa Bay. Ingram has had some big weeks recently, but his usage remains somewhat of a guessing game. Last week he was out-snapped by Travaris Cadet. Ingram will be a risky RB2 against a Bucs' defense that has performed much better recently.

Michael Thomas (foot) returned to Saints practice on Friday but is listed as questionable for Week 14 at Tampa Bay.

Thomas was "limited," meaning his only practice participation of the week was a "limited" workout in Friday's session. Still, it would be a surprise if he did not start Sunday at Tampa Bay. Thomas has emerged as the Saints' best wideout as rookie, leading the team in all receiving categories.

RotoGrinders.com Daily Slant: Thomas - in addition to Brandin Cooks - is squarely in play after a disappointing performance in Week 13. He's the safest option on the Saints side and his ceiling is in line with Cooks', not to mention that he'll have a nice draw against the much smaller Alterraun Verner (5'10 to Thomas' 6'3). Thomas has reeled in about 78% of his targets on the year, a great mark for someone who is also integral in the red-zone.

Snead has now been held below 40 yards in three straight games, and four of his past five. It's not true from a targets standpoint, but Snead has become a distant third behind Michael Thomas and Brandin Cooks on the production front. His WR3 case has disappeared.

Saints coach Sean Payton said 2015 first-rounder Andrus Peat could be moved to left guard.

The Saints planned to use Peat on the right side -- either at guard or tackle -- this season, but he has struggled at both positions. "He hasn't played very well over on that right side, so we've got to keep looking and pay close attention to it," Payton said. "I know what he can do well, and we've got to find a way to be at a high enough level inside. And I think we can get that done." The offensive line has struggled mightily in the preseason, and the guard spots are a big reason why. The Saints could look to add a veteran like newly-released OG Geoff Schwartz in the next couple days.